The focus of part I of the case study course lies on the literature-based comparison of chemical process alternatives. Based on this compilation and selected quantitative as well as qualitative measures, a process assessment and comparison is conducted. A basic flowsheet is then generated, and mass and energy balances are performed to carry out a preliminary economic and environmental assessment.

Students learn how to effectively retrieve, critically judge, analyze, and manage scientific information – important skill sets in chemistry and life sciences where scientists need to deal with vast amounts of information. The course, using practical examples, also covers scientific writing, visualizations, science communication and state-of-the-art technologies such as AI, text and data mining.